Category: GNSS

Intel’s Mini-PC: A Cheap Server for an RTK Base

I’ve written this many, many times in the past eight years that I’ve written for GPS World magazine, but I have to write it again — this is an exciting time for GNSS!

For me, high-precision GNSS is particularly exciting. I’ve been traveling like crazy, and involved in a number of really fun projects that incorporate high-precision GNSS. Of course, on these various projects I usually incorporate many types of technologies that support GNSS, such as computing, communications, power, and mechanical.

Along those lines, I find myself more and more frequently setting up custom RTK bases for companies because they’re getting cheaper and cheaper, regardless of the fact that there are an increasing number of publicly available real-time kinematic (RTK) base stations. Setting one up doesn’t just involve plugging power into a RTK base receiver and hitting the on/off switch. As I mentioned above, setting up an RTK base involves several different types of technologies. Sometimes, I set up a desktop computer next to the RTK base to act as a server to manage the RTK GNSS base and communications (both network and RTK communications) equipment.

In your mind, when you think of a desktop computer, you probably envision something that occupies 2-3 square feet (~one square meter) of desktop space, along with a keyboard and monitor. So, a consideration when deploying an RTK base is finding desk space somewhere in the user’s office to accommodate the desktop PC and other equipment.

Recently, I took a different approach. I found (actually, my client found) an incredibly small computer to be our server. Just as high-precision GNSS receivers are getting smaller and smaller, so are computers. The Intel Mini-PC measures 4 inches x 4 inches (10.16 x 10.16 centimeters) and has no hard disk. It uses solid-state drive (SSD) memory for storage. SSD technology is still somewhat expensive ($1+ per gigabyte), but it is small compared to a classical disk drive, and doesn’t have any moving parts. Furthermore, the Mini-PC has ethernet ports: when we connect a network cable to it, we could access the Mini-PC via Remote Desktop. That meant we didn’t need a keyboard or monitor. The Mini-PC had all the power we needed, and we could load any sort of control software on it because it runs the standard Windows 7 (or 8) operating system. Last but not least, the Mini-PC costs only $149. However, you need to add memory, SSD, and so on, so the real cost is ~$400 depending on your configuration. While not cheaper than similarly performing “boxes” available, it’s certainly one of the smallest.

Intel Mini-PC Measuring 4″ x 4″

In fact, it’s so small that we stuffed it inside a 14” x 12” electronics enclosure box along with the RTK GNSS base and other network equipment, and hung it out of sight on a closet wall. No desktop space required. Without stretching your mind much, you can see where desktop computing is headed; very small and inexpensive enough to be dedicated to specific tasks. Think about this and then consider the Internet of Things concept. It’s very exciting.

More RTK on Mobile Devices

Later this week I’ll be experimenting with RTK on mobile devices with the CRTN (California Real Time Network), a collection of 330 RTK bases located throughout California. I’ll be using a Panasonic ToughPad running ArcGIS Mobile (and maybe ArcPad) and an iPad using a cloud-based mapping service. The latter is particularly interesting because there are lots of cloud-based GIS data collection apps on the market and under development. Specifically, there’s a lot of subscription-based, cloud-based software. The challenge is that they are even less geodesy-intelligent than the “professional grade” GIS data collection software on the market. In other words, they read coordinates (NMEA format) from GNSS receivers and feed them directly into their app. No datum transformations are provided, neither horizontal nor vertical. That’s going to be a problem.

FCC Levies Record Fine Against Chinese Supplier of GPS and Mobile Phone Jammers

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it plans to issue the largest fine in its history against C.T.S. Technology Co., Limited, a Chinese electronics manufacturer and online retailer, for allegedly marketing 285 models of signal jamming devices to U.S. consumers for more than two years. The FCC plans to levy a $34.9 million fine against CTS. The FCC reported that CTS sold 10 high-powered signal jammers to undercover FCC personnel.

The FCC is asking people to report the sale or use of an illegal jammer by contacting the FCC Enforcement Bureau through the FCC online complaint portal, or by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (or 1-888-225-5322). To voluntarily relinquish a signal jammer, e-mail [email protected]. Additional information, including the FCC Consumer Alert on the jamming prohibitions and the FCC Enforcement Advisory to retailers regarding the marketing of illegal signal jammers, is available at www.fcc.gov/jammers.

You can view the FCC enforcement action against C.T.S. here.

Satellite Launch Pads are Warming Up

Two GPS Block IIF satellites, one launched in February and one launched in May, were set healthy in the past three weeks, making a total of six IIF GPS satellites in orbit broadcasting on three civil frequencies; L1, L2C, L5.

On July 31, the seventh GPS IIF satellite is scheduled for launch, followed by an October 2014 scheduled launch of the eighth GPS IIF satellite.

On June 14, Russia launched a GLONASS-M satellite. It has not been set healthy yet. There are a total of 24 healthy GLONASS satellites in orbit. You can check the current status of GLONASS satellites here.

On August 22, Europe is scheduled to launch the first two Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites to add to the four test satellites in orbit that will be integrated into the final operational constellation. A second pair of Galileo satellites is scheduled for launch in November 2014. These are projected dates and subject to slippage.

Galileo Satellites in the Clean Room

Live Webinar from the Esri International User Conference on July 17

In a GPS World first, we’ll be producing a live Webinar from the Esri International User Conference next month on Thursday, July 17 @ 10 am Pacific Time in the exhibit hall at the San Diego Convention Center. Of course, the webinar will be focus on one of the hottest topics, high-precision GNSS on mobile devices; from iPads to Android tablets to smartphones.

Tune in or join us live from the exhibit hall floor! Register here.

Thanks, and see you next month.

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GPSGIS_Eric

June 23, 2014
M3 Systems Announces Simulator Based on Vector Signal Transceiver

M3 Systems is now offering the StellaNGC multi-constellation GNSS simulator based on the National Instruments (NI) vector signal transceiver.

The simulator is designed for the testing of satellite navigation receivers for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and EGNOS/WAAS. It is designed to improve performance, scalability, and versatility, and reduce cost over existing navigation test solutions.

GNSS is the predominant technology today for navigation and outdoor positioning. However, given the weakness of GNSS signals, receiver performance is often affected by interference from the local environment and propagation channel conditions. Understanding the effects of this interference is of particular importance not only for existing GNSS signals but also for future signals that will appear with the deployment of new constellations such as Galileo.

To properly characterize receiver performance under varying conditions, the StellaGNC multi-constellation GNSS simulator provides signal generation, signal recording and replay, interference generation, signal and data processing, and complete analysis tools. The StellaNGC simulator is based on the NI vector signal transceiver in PXI for improved performance and full simulation capabilities. For record and playback only, a scaled-down version is also available based on the NI USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral). Both options were developed with NI LabVIEW and benefit from the performance and flexibility of the NI RF platform.

The simulator provides a scalable solution that allows easy signal additions through software upgrades, multi-frequency, processing extensions with the addition of FPGAs with NI FlexRIO, and an HDD extension for storage increase. Because the simulator is based on the open PXI standard, the hardware investment can also be extended to other applications, such as simulation, record and playback, or payload simulation.

June 20, 2014
EuroGeographics to Create Expert Group in GNSS Positioning
Members of EuroGeographics are creating a European platform for networking, sharing best practices, and exchanging expertise on GNSS positioning.

Plans for the new Positioning Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) were revealed at the association’s recent Extraordinary General Assembly following a proposal by the Head Office for Geodesy and Cartography, Poland. Its focus will include:
- maintaining a network of experts in satellite positioning and navigation
- following the development of relevant technologies and practices
- working on the most effective utilization of Galileo services, and
- developing common standards, policies and guidelines for best practice.
Now EuroGeographics members will work to agree on roles and joint actions through a cooperation agreement with the European Position Determination System (EUPOS), the Reference Frame Sub Committee for Europe (Euref), and the Council of European Geodetic Surveyors (CLGE). The new Positioning KEN will incorporate experts from all four organizations and will also invite other key players to participate.

“This is a really exciting addition to our range of benefits for members,” said EuroGeographics Executive Director and Secretary General Dave Lovell OBE. “It demonstrates how they are driving the association’s development to ensure its activities continue to meet their needs by reflecting emerging trends and the relevant interests of the European Institutions. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with EUPOS, Euref and CLGE as we work together to create the uniform GNSS service for Europe.”

EuroGeographics KENs provide an open forum for members and invited experts. Each focuses on an area of particular interest for national mapping, land registry and cadastral authorities. These include Business Interoperability, Quality and Emergency Mapping.
June 20, 2014
Russia Launches Single GLONASS Satellite

A single GLONASS-M satellite was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on Saturday, June 14, at 17:16 UTC. The satellite, GLONASS-M 55 (with designation 755 once operational and also known as Kosmos 2500), was inserted into the GLONASS constellation’s Plane 3 and will occupy orbital slot 21, according to ISS Reshetnev, the manufacturer of the satellite.

Reshetnev also reported that the satellite is equipped with an experimental payload capable of transmitting signals in the L3 frequency band. The L3 signal, centred at 1202.025 MHz , is CDMA unlike the GLONASS legacy FDMA signals. The experiment will include flight testing of the new equipment and evaluation of its accuracy characteristics. The GLONASS-K1 test satellite also transmits an L3 signal.

A video of the launch can be viewed on the Zvezda (meaning “Star”) TV network run by the Russian Ministry of Defence.

June 16, 2014
Google Maps Adds Terrain View

Google Maps now has Terrain View, which enables users to see terrain maps for an area.

Terrain view shows the 3D elevation of natural geographic features, such as mountains and canyons. Topographic contour lines are overlaid on the map to show elevation levels with altitude information displayed in gray numbers.

Google Maps also offers traffic, transit, and biking views.

Google Maps tweeted about the new terrain feature, showing an example:

Photo: Google

June 13, 2014
Lockheed Misses GPS III Deadline After Production Delays

The U.S. Air Force is shopping for alternative companies to head the GPS III program after its current contractor, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, hit production delays, according to the Denver Post.

There have been technical problems with the first GPS III satellite navigation system, which is supplied by Lockheed Martin subcontractor Exelis, the newspaper reports.

After the current eight-satellite contract is fulfilled, contracts to build the 22 remaining spacecraft are up for bid, according to a notice posted by the Air Force on the Federal Business Opportunities website.

Exelis’ navigation system was producing signal interference that prevented Lockheed from delivering by its target date earlier this year, which is now anticipated for delivery in 2015. The system is undergoing rigorous tests.

June 13, 2014
GLONASS-M Satellite to Launch June 14

GLONASS-M satellite number 55 is planned for launch on June 14 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome, said the first deputy director Viktor Kosenko as reported by Interfax.ru.

Kosenko said that through 2020, 25 more GLONASS satellites are planned: 11 GLONASS-M, 10 Glonass-K1, and four Glonass-K2. At the same time, he said, one GLONASS-K1 spacecraft is in orbit undergoing flight tests.

GLONASS-M number 55 is equipped with experimental apparatus emitting navigation signal in the frequency range L3. The experiment flight qualification of this equipment and accuracy characteristics of the navigation software. Using the third frequency band along with the L1 and L2 bands comprising GLONASS satellites is directed to improving the competitiveness of the system as a whole.

A Soyuz2.1b rocket will be used for the launch. This is the second launch campaign for the development of the GLONASS system this year.

June 9, 2014
Russia Turns IGS Data Back on — Sort of

On June 2, GPS World reported that GPS tracking stations co-sponsored by U.S. interests but located in Russia had stopped making their data available to scientists and others.

Now, “It looks like the tap has been turned back on, at least at slow flow,” reports Richard Langley, GPS World Innovation editor and University of New Brunswick professor. “Hourly and daily data files from the affected stations are once again being sent to IGS data archive centres. Grigory Steblov of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences has reported that ‘the transmission of the data from NEDA [North Eurasian Deformation Array] GPS sites [had] been temporarily suspended due to technical reasons.’

Now, after reorganization, the data flow is being resumed on hourly basis.”

Langley stresses, however, that the real-time flow of data from the NEDA stations has not been turned back on, which is important for some applications.

June 5, 2014
Alta Systems Balloon: Oblique Imagery Capture with a Light Footprint
Alta balloon.

Three weeks ago, GPS World / Geospatial Solutions held a webinar highlighting new technologies for imagery and data capture. The webinar had four presenters: Paul Smith of CycloMedia, Ted Ralston with Soft Power Solutions, Peter VanAmburgh from IIF Data, and John Ciampa CEO of Alta. You can view a YouTube video of the session. Because webinar time is limited, we couldn’t cover the technologies in detail, so I’m covering some of the technologies one column at a time.

In February, I devoted my column to CycloMedia, so you may want to review that material if you want more detail. This month I want to delve into the Alta balloon system that was presented by John Ciampa, the CEO of Alta. John was the original patent holder of Pictometry, the revolutionary high resolution geo-referenced metric oblique imagery system. He and Steve Schultz took the concept from theory to a practical functioning system that has been an industry standard for over 10 years.

John continues his research, dividing his time between the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Florida International University (FIU) while also working with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Although Pictometry was very successful, he also understood the limitations and cost of a manned aircraft as a capture system, especially for disaster response. Pictometry was a very capable system, but John felt that what was needed was a system that had a “lighter footprint” figuratively and literally. John took his knowledge and experience, and combined it with the latest developments in micro-miniaturized technology, to develop a system that was elegant in its simplicity and usefulness.

The Platform

Simply put, the Alta balloon is a steerable oblique geo-referenced camera system attached to a weather balloon. By using a balloon, John solved several problems associated with manned aircraft — cost, image quality, and accessibility. A balloon is cheaper than an aircraft, doesn’t require a licensed pilot, is more easily deployable, and can “fly” at lower altitudes.

Even a small aircraft is expensive, and requires a trained pilot and complex support logistics. A small used aircraft can run $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Additionally, most high-end aerial imagery systems generally require expensive FAA-approved modifications of the airframe. This adds cost, and limits the aircraft that can be used. Equipped with Pictometry cameras and electronics, a total aircraft capture system can easily cost $300,000 and up.

A significant factor during disaster response events is transportability and support. Past experience has shown that it can be very difficult to transport and operate even small aircraft in disaster regions, especially if the damage is widespread. Fuel and ground support in disaster sites can also be a serious limitation. By comparison, a balloon system can be carried in a suitcase, shipped quickly, and set up in less than an hour. Since the cost is in the range of several thousand dollars, multiple systems are practical and can be deployed in numerous remote locations. Equally impressive is that operators can be trained in less than an hour.

But don’t get the impression that Alta is as simple as strapping a digital camera to a balloon. Achieving the image quality, accuracy and dynamic performance of the Alta system requires a very sophisticated package, including the balloon, controls, communications and sensors. The balloon system is actually two balloons, one within the other, an outer balloon and inner lift gas balloon. The outer balloon provides some external protection while presenting a consistent profile. The inner balloon provides the lift and is filled with either hydrogen or helium.

The altitude is remotely controlled by venting lift gas to descend or by dumping water ballast to ascend. An onboard computer and sensors can also maintain altitude autonomously. When the balloon is brought down, a tethered weight drops to several feet under the balloon. The weight contacts the ground first and “anchors” the balloon and payload for retrieval. This keeps the balloon and payload off the ground, and also makes it easier to spot.

There are several modes of operation that are determined by the operator prior to launch:
- “Path Mode”: The balloon is released, ascending to the programmed altitude, then drifting with the wind currents before descending back to the ground.
- “Patch Mode – single tether”: Used to launch and retrieve the balloon. The balloon ascends to altitude, and its position is downwind based on the strength of the wind acting on both the balloon and tether.
Patch mode with single tether.
- “Patch Mode – multiple tethers”: Very precisely controls the location of the balloon over a limited area. This is very similar to the overhead cameras used in televised football games but in reverse, since the balloon wants to fly up.
Patch mode with multiple tethers.

The system can also be equipped with a parachute for emergency landings, a solar trickle charger for extended missions, and even a quadcopter that can steer the balloon to specific target areas. The lift capability of the balloon permits significantly longer duration flights than a quadcopter alone. A detailed operator’s manual is available for review at the Alta website — look for the Operators Manual.

The Payload

The modular payload is complex, but also lightweight and compact thanks to the latest developments in miniaturization. It consists of a precision GPS unit, inertial measurement/navigation unit (IMU), an onboard computer, environmental sensors, Wi-Fi communications, and an aimable high-resolution camera on a stabilized gimbal. The camera can be RGB, night vision or even multi-spectral. The imagery is downloaded as captured and delivered almost real-time.

Modular payload.

The Output

Because the balloon floats at low altitudes, image resolution is an impressive “game changer.” Here is just one example comparing a 4-inch pixel Pictometry/Bing image taken from 3,000 feet to a 1-centimeter pixel Alta image of the same location taken from several hundred feet.

Bing (left) and Alta images of stadium seats, compared.

Similar to Pictometry, the system uses GPS and IMUs to very accurately determine the camera location and attitude. That information, linked via algorithms to the captured imagery, results in imagery that is geo-referenced, measurable and available with full metadata, including the time of capture. I can’t over emphasize how important this is. Having instant access to imagery is nice, but having that imagery already geo-referenced means that the imagery can be quickly and easily imported into a GIS and overlaid with legacy GIS data for instant analytics.

The system has been used for many mundane applications such a real estate, agriculture, construction/engineering and event planning. More critical applications include crime-scene monitoring, surveillance and disaster response. Recently, in response to a South Florida Mall shooting, police launched an Alta balloon to view the crime-scene location. The imagery was instantly and continuously sent to police station computers and mobile devices of responders en route to the mall for pre-planning of their response. Viewing rooftops and walkways for victims and perpetrators, a near real-time operational picture was provided to police before putting themselves and others in harm’s way.

Actual image from an Alta balloon used in SWAT team maneuvers.

Dolphin Mall Sweetwater Florida, May 14, 2014, 6:05 a.m.

The Potential

I’m especially excited about the potential lifesaving use of Alta balloons. On numerous occasions I was involved in emergency response actions, and the dominant overarching need was high-quality imagery that could be combined with legacy data and imagery as close to real-time as possible. This system answers that need, and at a low cost. I could envision several Alta systems in every county nationwide ready to deploy on a moment’s notice. I believe that these units would be especially valuable for disaster response in second- and third-world countries. Dozens of Alta systems and trained operators could be delivered on short notice to major disaster sites, providing almost real-time common operational pictures for first responders. The added advantage is the very light need for logistics and support.

Military applications could be equally important. The silence of balloons coupled with a small visibility profile, including almost total invisibility at night, makes them ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance. The relatively low cost of the platforms also permits them to be expendable. In a tethered mode, the persistent “eye in the sky” could serve as a deterrent, or at a minimum make hostile activity more complicated for the perpetrators as they try to hide activities from the balloon. The “light” logistics and fast operator learning curve are just added benefits.

A key question raised during the webinar was FAA control. John indicated that the FAA does not consider the Alta balloons in a tethered mode subject to their control, and is currently reviewing it in a drift mode. John further amplified that the very low altitude of operation and dual control of descent should also exempt the drifter from FAA involvement. Alta could provide a significant advantage where UAS operations are restricted or not practical.

In a recent book, “Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper” by Robert Bryce, reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, the author argues that a similar dynamic, making less do more, drives virtually every technological change that has created the modern world, from cars and airplanes to advanced medicine, strategic metals and the iCloud. Alta balloons are certainly a good example.

I was an early proponent of Pictometry because, unlike abstract GIS data and ortho imagery, the metric oblique imagery was easily understood by non-GIS users. I saw many examples where it saved lives because police and firefighters were able to form and exploit a common operational picture quickly. Alta has me equally excited because it brings that same capability to users with a much simpler system that delivers almost real-time imagery at a cost anyone can afford. This technology is going to help a lot of people.
June 5, 2014
Alta Systems Balloon: Oblique Imagery Capture with a Light Footprint
Alta balloon.

Three weeks ago, GPS World / Geospatial Solutions held a webinar highlighting new technologies for imagery and data capture. The webinar had four presenters: Paul Smith of CycloMedia, Ted Ralston with Soft Power Solutions, Peter VanAmburgh from IIF Data, and John Ciampa CEO of Alta. You can view a YouTube video of the session. Because webinar time is limited, we couldn’t cover the technologies in detail, so I’m covering some of the technologies one column at a time.

In February, I devoted my column to CycloMedia, so you may want to review that material if you want more detail. This month I want to delve into the Alta balloon system that was presented by John Ciampa, the CEO of Alta. John was the original patent holder of Pictometry, the revolutionary high resolution geo-referenced metric oblique imagery system. He and Steve Schultz took the concept from theory to a practical functioning system that has been an industry standard for over 10 years.

John continues his research, dividing his time between the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Florida International University (FIU) while also working with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Although Pictometry was very successful, he also understood the limitations and cost of a manned aircraft as a capture system, especially for disaster response. Pictometry was a very capable system, but John felt that what was needed was a system that had a “lighter footprint” figuratively and literally. John took his knowledge and experience, and combined it with the latest developments in micro-miniaturized technology, to develop a system that was elegant in its simplicity and usefulness.

The Platform

Simply put, the Alta balloon is a steerable oblique geo-referenced camera system attached to a weather balloon. By using a balloon, John solved several problems associated with manned aircraft — cost, image quality, and accessibility. A balloon is cheaper than an aircraft, doesn’t require a licensed pilot, is more easily deployable, and can “fly” at lower altitudes.

Even a small aircraft is expensive, and requires a trained pilot and complex support logistics. A small used aircraft can run $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Additionally, most high-end aerial imagery systems generally require expensive FAA-approved modifications of the airframe. This adds cost, and limits the aircraft that can be used. Equipped with Pictometry cameras and electronics, a total aircraft capture system can easily cost $300,000 and up.

A significant factor during disaster response events is transportability and support. Past experience has shown that it can be very difficult to transport and operate even small aircraft in disaster regions, especially if the damage is widespread. Fuel and ground support in disaster sites can also be a serious limitation. By comparison, a balloon system can be carried in a suitcase, shipped quickly, and set up in less than an hour. Since the cost is in the range of several thousand dollars, multiple systems are practical and can be deployed in numerous remote locations. Equally impressive is that operators can be trained in less than an hour.

But don’t get the impression that Alta is as simple as strapping a digital camera to a balloon. Achieving the image quality, accuracy and dynamic performance of the Alta system requires a very sophisticated package, including the balloon, controls, communications and sensors. The balloon system is actually two balloons, one within the other, an outer balloon and inner lift gas balloon. The outer balloon provides some external protection while presenting a consistent profile. The inner balloon provides the lift and is filled with either hydrogen or helium.

The altitude is remotely controlled by venting lift gas to descend or by dumping water ballast to ascend. An onboard computer and sensors can also maintain altitude autonomously. When the balloon is brought down, a tethered weight drops to several feet under the balloon. The weight contacts the ground first and “anchors” the balloon and payload for retrieval. This keeps the balloon and payload off the ground, and also makes it easier to spot.

There are several modes of operation that are determined by the operator prior to launch:
- “Path Mode”: The balloon is released, ascending to the programmed altitude, then drifting with the wind currents before descending back to the ground.
- “Patch Mode – single tether”: Used to launch and retrieve the balloon. The balloon ascends to altitude, and its position is downwind based on the strength of the wind acting on both the balloon and tether.
Patch mode with single tether.
- “Patch Mode – multiple tethers”: Very precisely controls the location of the balloon over a limited area. This is very similar to the overhead cameras used in televised football games but in reverse, since the balloon wants to fly up.
Patch mode with multiple tethers.

The system can also be equipped with a parachute for emergency landings, a solar trickle charger for extended missions, and even a quadcopter that can steer the balloon to specific target areas. The lift capability of the balloon permits significantly longer duration flights than a quadcopter alone. A detailed operator’s manual is available for review at the Alta website — look for the Operators Manual.

The Payload

The modular payload is complex, but also lightweight and compact thanks to the latest developments in miniaturization. It consists of a precision GPS unit, inertial measurement/navigation unit (IMU), an onboard computer, environmental sensors, Wi-Fi communications, and an aimable high-resolution camera on a stabilized gimbal. The camera can be RGB, night vision or even multi-spectral. The imagery is downloaded as captured and delivered almost real-time.

Modular payload.

The Output

Because the balloon floats at low altitudes, image resolution is an impressive “game changer.” Here is just one example comparing a 4-inch pixel Pictometry/Bing image taken from 3,000 feet to a 1-centimeter pixel Alta image of the same location taken from several hundred feet.

Bing (left) and Alta images of stadium seats, compared.

Similar to Pictometry, the system uses GPS and IMUs to very accurately determine the camera location and attitude. That information, linked via algorithms to the captured imagery, results in imagery that is geo-referenced, measurable and available with full metadata, including the time of capture. I can’t over emphasize how important this is. Having instant access to imagery is nice, but having that imagery already geo-referenced means that the imagery can be quickly and easily imported into a GIS and overlaid with legacy GIS data for instant analytics.

The system has been used for many mundane applications such a real estate, agriculture, construction/engineering and event planning. More critical applications include crime-scene monitoring, surveillance and disaster response. Recently, in response to a South Florida Mall shooting, police launched an Alta balloon to view the crime-scene location. The imagery was instantly and continuously sent to police station computers and mobile devices of responders en route to the mall for pre-planning of their response. Viewing rooftops and walkways for victims and perpetrators, a near real-time operational picture was provided to police before putting themselves and others in harm’s way.

Actual image from an Alta balloon used in SWAT team maneuvers.

Dolphin Mall Sweetwater Florida, May 14, 2014, 6:05 a.m.

The Potential

I’m especially excited about the potential lifesaving use of Alta balloons. On numerous occasions I was involved in emergency response actions, and the dominant overarching need was high-quality imagery that could be combined with legacy data and imagery as close to real-time as possible. This system answers that need, and at a low cost. I could envision several Alta systems in every county nationwide ready to deploy on a moment’s notice. I believe that these units would be especially valuable for disaster response in second- and third-world countries. Dozens of Alta systems and trained operators could be delivered on short notice to major disaster sites, providing almost real-time common operational pictures for first responders. The added advantage is the very light need for logistics and support.

Military applications could be equally important. The silence of balloons coupled with a small visibility profile, including almost total invisibility at night, makes them ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance. The relatively low cost of the platforms also permits them to be expendable. In a tethered mode, the persistent “eye in the sky” could serve as a deterrent, or at a minimum make hostile activity more complicated for the perpetrators as they try to hide activities from the balloon. The “light” logistics and fast operator learning curve are just added benefits.

A key question raised during the webinar was FAA control. John indicated that the FAA does not consider the Alta balloons in a tethered mode subject to their control, and is currently reviewing it in a drift mode. John further amplified that the very low altitude of operation and dual control of descent should also exempt the drifter from FAA involvement. Alta could provide a significant advantage where UAS operations are restricted or not practical.

In a recent book, “Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper” by Robert Bryce, reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, the author argues that a similar dynamic, making less do more, drives virtually every technological change that has created the modern world, from cars and airplanes to advanced medicine, strategic metals and the iCloud. Alta balloons are certainly a good example.

I was an early proponent of Pictometry because, unlike abstract GIS data and ortho imagery, the metric oblique imagery was easily understood by non-GIS users. I saw many examples where it saved lives because police and firefighters were able to form and exploit a common operational picture quickly. Alta has me equally excited because it brings that same capability to users with a much simpler system that delivers almost real-time imagery at a cost anyone can afford. This technology is going to help a lot of people.
June 5, 2014
Russia Turns off Data from IGS GPS Tracking Stations

As announced by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin on May 13, 2014, GPS tracking stations co-sponsored by U.S. interests have stopped making their data available to scientists and others.

The tap on the flow of data from 11 stations was turned off starting on May 31. The data flow included hourly and daily data files from the stations as well as the real-time flow of data over the Internet.

In an item entitled “On Execution of the Instructions of the Government of the Russian Federation,” the website of Roscosmos, the Russian Space Agency, reported:

“In accordance with the instructions of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Russian Space Agency in conjunction with the Federal Agency scientific organizations on June 1, 2014, implemented measures to avoid the use of information from the global seismographic network stations operating on the signals of the GPS system and located in the Russian Federation, for purposes not covered by existing agreements, including military uses.” (As translated by Google Translate.)

It should be pointed out that none of the affected stations contribute to the day-to-day running of GPS; that is, they are not part of the GPS command and control network. They are stations participating in the work of the International GNSS Service, which provides data and products to scientists and other researchers for different purposes including geodesy, geodynamics, orbital mechanics, and atmospheric studies.

It is believed that the Russian move is a tit-for-tat exercise in response to sanctions by western countries following recent events in Ukraine. However, the Russians say that the action was initiated by the refusal of the U.S. to enter into negotiations on the placement of Russian-operated GLONASS tracking stations on U.S. territory. Russia wishes to expand its global network of differential correction and monitoring stations, which could conceivably be also used to supply data for GLONASS command and control purposes.

What isn’t widely known is that Roscosmos already uses sites on U.S. territory for monitoring the availability and health of the GLONASS satellites as the map below clearly shows.

June 2, 2014
The System: Sixth GPS IIF Launched into Orbit
Photo credit: United Launch Alliance.

A sixth GPS IIF satellite was launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket from Cape Canaveral at 8:08 p.m. EDT May 16.

The satellite, designated GPS IIF-6 and built by Boeing, is one of the next-generation GPS satellites, incorporating improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals, and enhanced performance for users.

According to Boeing, each GPS IIF satellite has greater navigational accuracy through improvements in atomic clock technology and a new civilian L5 signal to aid commercial aviation and search and rescue operations.
Interestingly, the rocket is the first to be tracked via GPS instead of by radar.

United Launch Alliance’s Atlas and Delta rockets are transitioning to GPS metric tracking for range safety functions, which protect the public and property should a launch vehicle veer off course. The move is a money-saving upgrade to the military’s aging range infrastructure.

A special avionics system on the launcher transmitted the location. For decades, most rockets launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, have been tracked by C-band radar.

Two more GPS IIF satellites are scheduled to launch before the end of the year.

Galileo FOC Satellites Reach Spaceport

Galileo’s first two full operational capability (FOC) satellites arrived in Kourou, French Guiana, on May 7, in preparation for launch this summer.

Manufactured by OHB in Bremen, Germany, with navigation payloads contributed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. in Guildford, UK, these satellites — the first of 22 full-capability models — had spent several months at ESA’s Technical Centre, ESTEC, in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, where they underwent exhaustive testing in simulated space conditions.

The Galileo satellites are named for the children who won a painting competition organized by the European Commission in 2011. Doresa and Milena, the first two FOC satellites, will be launched together aboard a Soyuz rocket, joining the four Galileos already in orbit. Adam, the third Galileo FOC satellite, is now undergoing testing under space conditions at ESTEC. Anastacia, the fourth Galileo FOC satellite, will begin final testing at OHB in Bremen before being shipped to ESTEC.

“A steady stream of satellites is foreseen, coming from OHB to ESTEC for acceptance testing and then on to French Guiana,” said an ESA official.

GPS World reported in its March enewsletter EAGER that Galileo may have already fallen off its planned three-launch schedule for 2014.

Arianespace is already facing an exceptionally crowded launch manifest in 2014. A well-informed source opined, “If one were to hazard a guess, here is the most likely scenario: O3b arrives ready for launch several weeks ahead of Galileo and secures the June launch. Galileo moves to August and is promised a second launch in the autumn. O3b’s planned second launch in 2014 is moved to early 2015, as is the planned third launch of Galileo.

“The effect of these schedule slips on the cost of the Galileo program, which is about a year late — cost overruns that Tajani has vowed will not be paid by the commission — is a subject for another day.”

New Loran at 5 Meters

The red track is based on raw eLoran data without any corrections. The transparent blue line is made by GPS-RTK and is widened to 10 meters, giving the required ± 5-meter limits of eDLoran. The white line is output from the eDLoran receiver, which stays within the borders of the 10-meter-wide transparent blue line.

Dutch consultants Reelektronika showed results from a prototype enhanced differential Loran (eDLoran) system, extensively tested in the Europort (Rotterdam) area, at the European Navigation Conference held in April. The tests achieved accuracies of 5 meters. A full technical article describing the equipment, methodology, and test results will appear in the July issue of GPS World.

Harbor pilots require accuracies of 5 meters and some form of robustness or back-up for GNSS systems in case of jamming, unintentional interference, system failure, or other disruption.

The current eLoran system cannot get better than 10-meter accuracy. The new eDLoran opens up new possibilities for multiple applications:
- Installing eDLoran reference stations is fast, simple, and cost effective.
- As there is no data channel bandwidth limitation, multiple reference stations can be installed, which offers increased reliability and makes the system more robust against terrorism and lightning damage.
- A single or multiple eDLoran servers can be installed in a protected area. There is hardly a practical limit in the number of differential reference stations to serve.
CNAV on L2C and L5 Initiated

On April 28, U.S. Air Force Space Command began broadcasting civil navigation (CNAV) messages on all operational GPS satellites capable of transmitting the L2C and L5 signals. L2C is designed for commercial needs and L5 meets safety-of-life transportation requirements.

“These new CNAV messages will enable manufacturers to develop and test advanced civil receivers and make for a more robust position, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution available to the civilian public,” said Maj. Gen. Robert E. Wheeler. “We do not anticipate any GPS satellite outages or legacy degradations as a result of the pre-operational deployment of these frequencies, and those currently using the GPS Standard Positioning Service should not be impacted.”

Initial CNAV broadcast occurs at a reduced data accuracy and update frequency compared to GPS signals in use today. In December 2014, CNAV data updates will increase to a daily rate, bringing L2C and L5 signal-in-space accuracy on par with legacy signals. However, derived position accuracy cannot be guaranteed during the pre-operational deployment. These signals are primarily used to test various equipment and should be employed at the users’ own risk; not used for safety-of-life or other critical purposes.

The Air Force will broadcast L2C messages with the health bit set “healthy,” as was the case during a June 2013 test. L5 messages will be set “unhealthy,” but as experience grows with L5 broadcast and implementation of signal monitoring is achieved, this status may change upon review.
June 1, 2014